Summertime has arrived. Hiking is one of the hottest activities to do in Hong Kong. However, the sun shouldn't stop hikers to hike. Hiking in this kind of hot and humid weather could still be enjoyable, however, one must find a good hiking spot to feel that it's worth the sweat. High Junk Peak is probably one of the best hike and suitable hiking spots in Hong Kong during this hot season. Why is that? Continue reading this blog to find out.
ABOUT HIGH JUNK PEAK
High Junk Peak is located in Clear Water Bay section in the New Territories. High Junk Peak is probably one of the treacherous hikes in Hong Kong. Hiking High Junk Peak is a quick hike with a stunning and scenic view of Clear Water Bay on the left side and Tseung Kwan O on the right side. High Junk Peak measures about 344 meters above sea level.
Hiking High Junk Peak can be challenging especially when climbing up to the peak. This hike reminds me of the Sharp Peak hike, however, High Junk Peak is a lot shorter.
See The Treacherous Sharp Peak Hike to read more about it and if you are also interested.
BASIC INFORMATION OF THE HIKE
DURATION - 3.5 hours
DISTANCE - 6.5KM
DIFFICULTY LEVEL - Fairly Difficult
CELLPHONE/ INTERNET COVERAGE - Everywhere
BEST TIME TO HIKE - Winter or Autumn (Do not go during rainy season)
WATER LEVEL - 1L
STARTING POINT - Ng Fai Tin (Hang Hau)
FINISHING POINT - Po Toi O
HOW TO GET THERE AND WHAT TO TAKE
EASIEST WAY AND MOST CONVENIENT WAY TO START THE HIKE
The easiest way to start the hike is to take KMB bus no, 91 from Diamond Hill. If you are taking the train to Diamond Hill, you must get off at exit C1. If you are taking a bus or taxi to Diamond Hill, go to Plaza Hollywood Shopping Mall and find the bus terminal.
From there, you can the bus no. 91 from the bus terminal. Get off at Ng Fai Tin. The total journey time should not take more than 30 minutes except if there is any traffic.
From Ng Fai Tin bus stop, cross the road to the Pavilion and turn right. You will see some stairs and a map and that is where the hike start.
ENDING THE HIKE IN PO TOI O
The most convenient route to end the hike is at Po Toi O. From there, you can take the minibus no. 16 in the minibus station. It stops at Clear Water Bay, Hang Hau MTR or Po Lam Railway Station.
HIKE DIARY
DIAMOND HILL TO NG FAI TIN
The easiest way to get to Ng Fai Tin is by taking a bus from Diamond Hill MTR Exit C and go to the bus terminal to take bus no. 91. The bus ride to Ng Fai Tin should take about less than 30 minutes.
NG FAI TIN - THE PAVILION AND A SHORT FLIGHT OF STEPS
Once you reach Ng Fai Tin, you must cross the road to the other side to a small pavilion. On the right side, there is a map and stairs going up. That is where you start the hike. Up ahead you will be able to see Tseung Kwan O and Sai Kung area on the other side.
SHEUNG YEUNG SHAN
After a short flight of steps, you will encounter a signpost. Follow Sheung Yeung Shan trail or Mountain Bike trail for another half an hour. While trekking, you will pass by a ridge and you will be able to see the High Junk Peak view from there.
We also encounter some interesting flowers, wheat field, mushrooms and some Gypsy Moth Caterpillars.
There will be another signpost, turn to left fork to Tai Miu trail.
TAI MIU TRAIL
After a few more minutes of trekking, you will come across a resting area, mainly benches. You may allow yourself to take a few minutes rest or have a few snacks. Climbing up the High Junk Peak starts in this area. Follow the ribbons wrapped in tree branches to get started with your hike to the peak.
THE HIGH JUNK PEAK
The first few minutes will be downhill and will eventually be descending to the valley. It will later lead you up to a steep gravel near the peak. From there, you may see Clear Water Bay from the south side.
Climbing up to the peak can be challenging especially for those with less experience, however, there are many big rocks for you to use to pull yourself up to the peak. Just be careful on the rocks and make sure that it is stable to step on. Climbing up to the peak takes about 30-40 minutes. Wear hand gloves if necessary.
PANORAMIC VIEWS OF CLEAR WATER BAY AND TSEUNG KWAN O
The view on top is very stunning and rewarding. The clear water from Clear Water Bay is just amazing. I have enjoyed my time on top and took a lot of pictures as well. There are plenty of giant rocks for you to sit, stand or even do a yoga pose for a fantastic picture.
TIN HA SHAN
While descending down, you will be able to enjoy the views of Po Toi O Fishing Ground, Clear Water Bay Golf Course, and Tai Mui Temple. You will also need to cross the entrance of Clear Water Bay Golf Club and follow Tai Au Mun Road to the left. Lastly, you must turn right to Po Toi O Chuen Road to end the hike.
ENDING THE HIKE IN PO TOI O
Your hike is near to the end when you spot a minibus station in Po Toi O. From there, you may take the minibus no. 16 via Po Lam Railway Station. There is an option to drop off at Clear Water Bay or Hang Hau MTR (Nan Fong Plaza).
WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR
- Small towel
- Hiking pants/ jogging pants (no jeans/denim!)
- Short/ Long-Sleeve Shirt
- Hiking shoes
- Trekking pole - can be useful when descending
- Extra shirt - for changing
- Cap - to protect your face from sun exposure
- Umbrella/ waterproof jacket with hoodie - in case of rain
- Windbreaker jacket (optional) - It will be very windy in the middle of the hike from Violet Hill path to Tse Long Bridge
- Toiletries - tissue/ wet tissue, sunscreen, OFF spray (to avoid insects)
- Portable charger
- Water - 1L
- Snacks - fruits (apples or bananas), boiled eggs, protein/ energy bars, digestives biscuits or bread
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
This hike for me was one of the best I ever hike in Hong Kong during summer. Hiking High Junk Peak was not very difficult, though a little bit challenging. Clambering up was the challenging part of the entire hike, which is exactly what I am looking for in a hike. The view on top was spectacular. I enjoyed it a lot and somehow I felt that I was on an island in Thailand or the Philippines. I would definitely recommend this hike.
If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to leave a comment below. I will be more than happy to help.
Yours Truly,
Michelle Chan
